Sadvent

Unusually, I drove to another church yesterday morning, for it was one of those rare occasions when I ‘preached out’. The car’s former owners had tuned the Premier Christian station into the car’s radio, which I prefer to hear on a Sunday, despite several reservations. The various presenters were constantly telling the listener that it was the start of Advent, and were we therefore ready for Christmas? And were we getting our presents ready? And would we consider buying some from such-and-such a supplier? 

Being a Congregationalist of puritan heritage and conviction, I can just about accept a celebration of the birth of Christ but not the horrible shopping frenzy, the greed and avarice, the drunkenness and pervasive godlessness. We shall sing some carols the Sunday before the 25th and hope that friends and neighbours come and hear the gospel preached, but we shall not indulge ourselves with Advent. I prefer to leave that to the Catholics and Anglicans, whose calendars and liturgies are their own business. If the world and the churches spent as much trouble preparing for the Second Advent of Jesus Christ when He comes as conquering warrior and dreadful judge, more would cry out to Him for mercy, desiring the incarnate Saviour’s proffered grace and redemption.

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

Image: Raphael